Building Safety Month: Smoke Alarms

May 20, 2013

May is designated as Building Safety Month by the National Association of Home Builders. In this post, we’ll take a look at why fire alarms are a necessity for every Chicago homeowner, even with today’s technology.

Smoke alarm systems are crucial to your family’s safety. These little devices can mean the difference between life and death in light of an emergency. A device should be installed in every level of your home, including basements and sleeping areas. Placement should be according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the building’s codes/ordinances.

If an alarm is accidentally set off by something in the home, do not disable the alarm. This has potential to be a disaster in case of a real emergency. Instead, wave away the smoke until the alarm stops sounding.

Be sure to check the batteries in your alarms once a month to ensure they are still working. Generally, batteries should be replaced annually, and the alarms themselves should be replaced every eight to 10 years. Another maintenance precaution many fail to take is vacuuming smoke alarms periodically to remove any dirt and dust that could corrupt their operation.

In a time where technology is ever-changing, there is no exception for smoke alarms. This technology is constantly improving with new models and features that could be beneficial to your lifestyle. Make sure to keep updated on these changes so you can have the best option in your home.

Studies have come to show that cluttered or older homes with multiple levels are less likely to have appropriate smoke alarms. This study from University of Iowa is alarming to say the least, and proves that consumers need to be provided with more information about smoke alarm installation and maintenance.

Initiatives made in public health have aimed to reduce residential fire-related injuries and deaths that include smoke alarm installation. In light of Building Safety Month, make sure all of your homes smoke alarms are correctly installed, and spread the word about the importance of keeping up with your smoke alarms.